Last Saturday I went to a great party! Apart from the fact that I had lots of fun and drank quite a few glasses of punch, I also came away from that party with two business cards. I had no intention of going there to network, but once we got talking, the rapport started to build and we discovered that our businesses could be mutually beneficial.
The lesson here is: networking opportunities are everywhere, so be prepared. You may not be going to a social event to do business, but social events are all about building up relationships. As is networking. Just because you are not in a formal business environment doesn’t mean you don’t talk about what you do if someone asks you. People buy PEOPLE, and a contact made at a party or on a train could turn out to be your best client or supplier!
When it comes to more formal networking, though, your aim should be to maximise your time and investment. Think, really think, about who your ideal clients are. Where do they hang out? What interests do they have? Who are their friends and colleagues? What income bracket are they in? Then think about which networking events you are choosing to go to. If you are not satisfied with the return you are getting on your networking investment, it may be because you are attending the “wrong” events for your business. Analyse your networking strategy, and if necessary, re-assess it.
Would you like to double or even triple your networking revenue! If so, email me for details of our dynamic Master Networker course in Warrington on 29th June. We still have a few places left!
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